Guy rides NYC Citi Bike across the USA… and cops $1,200 late fee

Jeffrey Tanenhaus doesn’t regret quitting his job as a corporate event planner to have an adventure A man who rode a New York Citi Bike hire bike across the country has managed to rack up the biggest possible late return fee – but says he doesn’t regret quitting his job as a corporate event planner to have an adventure.

Jeffrey Tanenhaus told Bicycling (link is external) that he had an ‘early midlife crisis’ which inspired him to ride from New York to Los Angeles – but he was no stranger to the hire bikes beforehand.

He said: “I felt happy and empowered in choosing my own bike route and getting around NYC by bicycle. It was the best part of the day. The Citi Bike was convenient, sturdy, and hassle-free. I became a big supporter of the program, and a big user. I’d only agree to meet friends within half a mile of a Citi Bike station! So, I thought, what if I quit the job and keep the bike?”

He said that the trip took a couple of months to plan, during which time he was cat-sitting and staying with friends, as his lease had expired.